OAKLEY, Kan. (AP) — U.S. military officials say a 33-year-old soldier from western Kansas has died in Afghanistan.

The Department of Defense announced Friday that Sgt. 1st Class Trenton L. Rhea of Oakley drowned Wednesday in Kandahar, Afghanistan. The department says Rhea was trying to swim across a body of water during combat operations when he drowned.

Rhea was assigned to the 603rd Military Police Company, 530th Military Police Battalion, 300th Military Police Brigade, 200th Military Police Command out of Belton, Mo.

Gov. Sam Brownback released a statement offering Rhea’s family and friends condolences for their loss.